The best plants to strengthen your immune system

The immune system is made up of cells and organs working together to protect the body from all illnesses and infections.

In biology and medicine, the term “immunity” refers to the body's ability to defend itself against threatening elements, for its proper functioning or survival. These elements can be microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), cancer cells or even a foreign body (a splinter for example). They are constantly mutating, so the immune system must adapt to their evolution.

Factors that influence the immune system

With age, immunity weakens and the body is more exposed to infections. They may become more frequent and more serious. For example, a simple flu can turn into pneumonia and have adverse health effects.

Many factors of daily life such as diet, smoking, sleep, physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, stress , the quality of human relationships and the living environment have an influence on the quality of the immune response. .

Health and immunity are therefore linked: taking care of your health on a daily basis helps boost your immunity, and vice versa.

Natural herbal remedies are effective and strongly recommended to boost your natural defenses. They represent an excellent alternative to allopathic medication (antibiotics, insulin, anti-inflammatories, etc.), which is best reserved only for the most serious pathologies.

Here are the best plants to integrate into your daily life to strengthen your immune system: 

• Ginger: Ginger is a species of plant that is one of the best remedies for preventing respiratory infections such as colds and flu. It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and kill viruses.

• Ginseng: ginseng is a plant that provides many benefits to the body. It helps maintain energy and vitality, and fights against fatigue and asthenia. It also increases the oxygenation of cells while promoting the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Immune functions are therefore improved.

• Turmeric: Turmeric is effective in eliminating toxins and boosting the immune system to fight against germs and bacteria. In addition, it is a very good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E.

• Echinacea: Echinacea is a wildflower that has immunomodulatory properties and acts as an antiseptic. Indeed, echinacea increases the number of white blood cells (or T cells) and other antibodies, helping to exacerbate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ravintsara: ravintsara is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of camphor trees. It is ideal for boosting your immunity naturally, particularly in preventing winter illnesses. Ravintsara contains eucalyptol having a mucoregulatory effect, which helps strengthen the mucoid carpet of the respiratory walls.

• Thyme: thyme is a real asset for the immune system. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties stimulate immunity and relieve cold-related ailments. Thyme also promotes the development of new cells.

• Tea tree: in the form of essential oil, tea tree acts as a tonic for the body and immunity. It effectively fights and cures bacterial and viral infections.

• Astragalus: Astragalus is one of the so-called “adaptogenic” plants. It has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help boost the immune system.

Aside from plants, fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamin C such as citrus fruits , goji berries and elderberries are particularly powerful in strengthening the immune system and facilitating the fight against winter infections.

How to use plants

These plants can be used as a herbal tea or infusion, with a spoonful of honey to maximize the anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. They can also be ingested in the form of ampoules to drink, capsules or tablets to swallow.

Essential plant oils, mixed with a vegetable oil, can be applied as a massage to the thorax or upper back for example.

Concerned about everyone’s well-being, Délicure has developed an “ Immunity ” cure in the form of vegan, natural gummies made in France. They come in an innovative form of candies with a delicious wild berry taste, and help to strengthen the immune system, protect the microbiota and provide energy. They are composed of lactic ferments, goji berry juice, elderflower extract, trace elements (zinc, manganese, copper) and vitamin C.